"We won't bother them," promised Frank. "What do you say, fellows? Should we take a trip around that way or should we not?"
As usual, the mere fact that something of a mystery surrounded the old mill made all the boys eager to turn their steps in that direction.
"We'll go down the old road, anyway," said Joe. "I'd like to get a look at the place. It'll give us somewhere to go."
"Sure," agreed Phil. "We can eat our lunch on the way."
"The vote seems to be in favor of it," said Frank, with a smile.
"Well," drawled Stummer, chewing vigorously at the straw, "don't blame me if you get chased away from the mill. I've warned you."
His eyes twinkled. His whole purpose in telling the lads of the mystery that surrounded the mill had been to send them in that direction, for he realized the attraction the place would have for the boys when they knew that the mill was running again. He was rather curious, too, about the three men who were in charge of the place and he thought that perhaps the boys might pick up some information that he had been unable to get.
"Have a good hike," he said, as he turned to go back to the farmhouse. "Don't get into any trouble."
"We won't," they assured him, and forthwith started back down the lane.
They met Chet, who had by this time managed to retrieve his belongings and was trudging along in the dust meditating ways and means of getting even with his companions. He was not vindictive and he had taken the joke in good part, grinning cheerfully as he saw them approach.